We’ve all heard the one about Michigan’s never-ending construction season. Or how orange cones should be our state flower.

So, I hate to be the one to tell you that rising costs and inflation might make our never-ending construction season feel even more eternal.

Read on for a look into the state’s construction woes.

Plus: We’ve got your rundown of Juneteenth events across the state.

Michiganders living near data center say it’s ‘a prison in our own yard’ (MLive): Residents living near a data center in Dowagiac say constant noise from the facility has disrupted their daily lives and negatively impacted their health. Two neighbors have sued the company, alleging excessive noise, as the operator pursues plans for a major expansion.

Historic Jackson Home opens in Dearborn (WXYZ): The Henry Ford has opened the historic Jackson Home at Greenfield Village, relocating the former Selma, Alabama residence where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders met during the 1960s.

Officials warn of possible asbestos-contaminated toys sold in MI stores (WOOD-TV): Michigan health officials are urging families to check for recalled “Orb Funkee” squeeze toys sold at Walmart and Ollie’s, warning the sand-filled toys may contain asbestos.

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A temporary sign marks the I-696 “Restore the Reuther” construction zone in Southeast Michigan. (Michigan Department of Transportation)

By Capital News Service

Michigan drivers can expect another summer filled with orange barrels, detours, and road crews as road and bridge construction projects ramp up across the state.

Even as major construction plans remain on schedule, industry leaders say rising costs, inflation, and global instability could continue to put pressure on transportation budgets.

“We’ve seen 20% to 30% inflation over the past five to 10 years,” said Lance Binoniemi, the vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, which represents nearly 600 infrastructure and transportation companies.

“It seems like it’s continuing to get worse,” he added.

However, officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation said many construction bid prices had already been secured earlier in the season, helping limit the immediate impact of rising fuel and material costs on major projects.

Find a Juneteenth event near you. (USA Today Network)

By Abby Deatrick

This weekend, Michiganders are coming together to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, marking the day when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom.

For generations, Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth through parades and community events. In 2021, Juneteenth—June 19—became a federal holiday after Congress passed legislation that was signed into law by President Joe Biden. Today, communities across Michigan continue the tradition with events that honor Juneteenth’s history, culture, and significance. 

In the wake of widespread approval from Michiganders toward a ballot measure aimed at getting corporate money out of politics, I was curious about what other reforms people would be interested in.

So, I asked readers:

What kind of ballot measures would you like to see to reform our political system?

Here’s what you had to say:

“I’d love to see a ballot measure that restructures the way campaign funds are controlled and distributed among active elected officials. Currently, funds are controlled by officials who weaponize them to control support for individual legislative agendas. Our legislature has been paralyzed by this. Even common-sense actions (like renewing Michigan’s  membership in the national medical licensing board so that doctors originally licensed out of state could practice here in Michigan) has been blocked or used as a bargaining chip.

“This is commonly-known issue in Lansing. The press is being polite, tip-toeing around the problem, and not exposing this very real problem. Nothing will change if this keeps up.  If Michigan voters understood the actual reason why nothing is being accomplished in this state, I think they would be appalled and demand change.” — Deb, Bloomfield Hills

“It should be against the law (or the state constitution) for legislators to exempt themselves from any statute that applies to the population at large.” — Le Roy, Grand Ledge

“My concern with voting is the amount of votes that are not valid. I’m all for one day voting, in person with valid ID. When you think about all the things we need ID for, voting should be near the top. Absentee ballots accepted for military.” — Stella, Redford Township

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Capital News Service and Abby Deatrick. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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